YMCA plans moves forward

The Eastern Audrain Library/YMCA Project held their kick off dinner Saturday night, August 24 at the VFW Hall in Vandalia.

The Eastern Audrain Library/YMCA Project held their kick off dinner Saturday night, August 24 at the VFW Hall in Vandalia. Over 100 people attended the dinner and informational sessions. Entertainment was provided the Dennis Ebers and the Kinfolk Band.
Felicity Goodpasture-Culwell, chairman of the project, welcomed everyone and gave a brief history of the project. Informational power point presentations were given throughout the evening. Felicity stated that the project, with a current projected cost of $3 million dollars, will require hard work and commitment from the community. The Rual Morris Foundation is making a substantial contribution to the project. The com-mittee will be applying for the NAP (Neighborhood Assistance Program) Grant, which is a $500,000 grant that offers its donors potential Missouri tax credits.
In addition, the Mabee Foundation Grant, which is a challenge grant, plus other area grants, will be applied for as the project progresses. Felicity said the committee will welcome any suggestions for possible grants for the project. During the presentations, Felicity mentioned, “We will need all the help we can get from everyone to make this project successful! We are looking for $1 million to $1.5 million from the area residents. We will be asking for pledge donations, which can be one time donations or monthly/yearly donations of a pledge for an amount over a 3-5 year period.
Other possible donated items will be publicly traded securities, securities other than publicly traded, real property with approval and audit of property, tangible personal property upon approval.”
“I am a very positive person and I think positive,” Felicity said regarding the time of the project. “We all need a goal and we would love to be breaking ground on this project this time next year. Is it going to happen? Only with everyone’s support and hard work will we get there.”
Alan Winders, City Administrator, thanked Felicity for stepping up and volunteering to chair this project. “Felicity has been unafraid to take this on. What we need from you is to join the steering committee in being unafraid to take the next steps in supporting it,” Winders said.
Felicity stressed that the project is so much more than just a library and a gym. The Y provides a place where better communities are built. It grows better kids, better adults, better everyone! The Y has programs that help people to better their lives, whether it’s through becoming healthy or it’s learning how to give to others.
“We may not know everyone’s needs or understand the need, but the least we can do is to serve others,” Felicity said in closing. “I see the Y as a great place to help put value back in our lives and teach our children about values. How is a gym going to provide value? Everyone needs to be and is a part of a team. We are all team players in the game of life, whether it is church, family, work, or play. We all need to be able to do it together to the best of our ability and constantly strive for a better team. That’s a winning team! We believe Eastern Audrain County can be that and so much more. Only you can make our vision for a stronger and healthier Eastern Audrain area possible. The generous support of our community fuels everything we do. Every gift makes a difference. Everyone has a role to play. Together, we can achieve so much more. We are better together!”
Those unable to attend and wanting more information can e-mail libraryymca@gmail.com or call 573-473-9362 Felicity’s cell.

Weekly Poll

Do you think the Iran Nuke Deal was a good deal for the U.S. government?